My build was with many parts from many cars. I would like to think it will be around longer than I am. I want to place in the car, under the seat or cowl, a listing of the parts used, so replacements might be found if needed later. I was thinking a laminated printout, but am concerned with moisture over time. Is there something other than my ink jet printer that just smears when it gets wet, does anyone have other ideas? Mat
Put it on a thumb drive. Its not like computers or usb ports are ever going to go by the way side anytime soon.
I was thinking of a book or binder to go with the car, that has photos and a list of parts and any other info you think important. And the same thing on DVDs. Make half a dozen copies, keep one, stash a few in the glove box and under the back seat or wherever you like, and give one or 2 to the buyer.
I have a small memo book, under my seat, with part numbers and brands of the mechanical stuff. Think I paid $2 for it. When I get a new part, I write it down in my little red book. It's not hard.
Thumb drives are very iffy and easily corruptible. Also the moisture that sscargo is worried about would be an issue. I think sscargo is looking for a long term, archival solution. Your memo book, while practical while you are alive/know where it is/actively looking at it, is probably not a great solution for long term/ future generations. Mat, I would look into archival-safe products and time-capsules. As an archivist, the main issue is that you have an unstable environment working against you. Moisture, humidity, temperature, etc will fluctuate. How long are you expecting/wanting this to last? How much money are you willing to spend? A basic solution would be "Archival quality" ink for your inkjet printer and archival quality paper placed in polypropylene sleeves.
Seal it in a zip lock style envelope and call it good. Get a smaller one, about owner's manual size, leave it in the glove box (if you have one). I'm going out on a limb here, but guessing that the car won't see salt, winter, left outdoors 24/7 or spend 40hrs/week in the lot at work? I've had stuff in cars for near a decade and still readable after that time. There's bonus to this, you're sure to forget some details over time and you can reference it yourself along the way. The economy version of this reply? Don't over think it...
I purchased a couple of Jalopy Journal log books,they work great for important do***entation of a build..they like everything offer were limited editions and sold out fast. HRP
There are probably 10 good ways to do it and 100 bad ones. I'm just glad you brought up the idea. I will probably do this in some form from now on.
Get a small fire prof box and mount it under the rear seat or behind the back seat or under package tray.
Well, it's been 4 months, hopefully he figured it out. This doesn't have to be complicated. I've bought cars and found notebooks in the glove box or in most cases, the owner gave me a list of pertinent info on the car. A memo book is fine. Now, if he's looking to hide something in the car, with a hope and prayer the next owner finds it, then maybe he should have everything engraved on a sheet of stainless and screwed onto the floor board, under the carpet.
I made an "owner's manual" for mine. a 3 ring binder that doucments every piece (including pics, receipts and warranty stuff). As much for me as the next guy.
The Jalopy Journal
